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Join in the hunt for mammoth fossils in South Dakota as a member of the longest-running Earthwatch Expedition.

When a construction crew bulldozed over land in Hot Springs, South Dakota, in 1974, they were stunned to find a mass gravesite for Columbian mammoths, a species that lived in North America until about 11,000 years ago. Dr. Larry Agenbroad stepped in to investigate. In 1975, Dr. Agenbroad and his team found a complete skull of a mammoth, including tusks; in 1976, Dr. Agenbroad teamed up with Earthwatch to launch what is now the longest-running Earthwatch project. The site is now the largest repository of Columbian mammoths in North America, and 60 complete mammoth skeletons—including three woolly mammoths—have been unearthed to date.

Today, Earthwatch volunteers continue to uncover amazing remains from ancient times. In addition to trowels and brushes, volunteers now use high-tech equipment such as CT scans, global positioning system (GPS), and computer mapping technology. As a member of the Agenbroad team, you may unearth remains of creatures ranging from the Columbian mammoth to prairie dogs, camels, llamas, bears, and pronghorn antelopes. Whatever your discoveries, they will add to the wealth of knowledge still emerging from this extraordinary dig.

Lead scientists

Accommodations and food

Why the research is important

Why the research is important

Help excavate mammoths, camels, llamas, and possibly even the first wolf and giant short-faced bear fossils found in the north-central plains.

How did mammoths live and die in North America? Explore the fossil evidence and help reconstruct a fascinating prehistoric community.

One day 26,000 years ago, in an effort to find greener fodder, a teenage male Columbian mammoth fell into a sinkhole and perished in the bottom. Over the years, this tragedy was repeated until eventually the deadly pond filled in, preserving at least 100 mammoth victims. Their deaths were unmarked until 1974, when geologist Dr. Larry Agenbroad was called to investigate a tusk hit by a bulldozer. Almost four decades later, you can help Dr. Agenbroad in his continued investigation of the world’s largest deposit of Columbian mammoth remains. Working in a climate-controlled environment, you’ll help excavate mammoths, camels, llamas, and possibly even the first wolf and giant short-faced bear fossils found in the north-central plains.

Mammoth remains, South Dakota.

The majority of fossils found at the Mammoth Site are of the North American Columbian mammoth. Remains of three woolly mammoths have also been discovered here, making this "east meets west mammoth gathering" the first site where both species have been found together. Fossils of other Ice Age animals have also been discovered, including imprint fossils of bird feathers, complete fish skeletons, and thousands of mollusk shells. As an Earthwatch volunteer and crew member on this project, you’ll participate in the excavation, preparation, stabilization, and casting of fossils.

About the research area

South Dakota, United States, North America & Arctic

The Mammoth Site is within the city limits of Hot Springs, a small agricultural and retirement community. It is an attractive area physically and environmentally. The historic architecture gives a unique character to the town, and the people are open and friendly, tending to “adopt” the crews.

Hot Springs is located in a valley on the eastern flank of the Black Hills, the first mountains eastern tourists encounter on their way to the West. This area, referred to as “an island in a sea of grass,” has a varied landscape that includes all the major geologic provinces of the western United States. It is in sharp contrast to the surrounding prairie and high plains. Mount Rushmore National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Park, Custer State Park, and other attractions are located in this region. Wind Cave has the largest herd of free-roaming bison in the United States.

When you get to work at the excavation site, each participant will be assigned to an experienced crew chief. Veteran team members may also be on hand to assist new excavators. Then, you'll dig in to:

Excavate fossils. Using shovels to amounts of soil or trowels and brushes for precision work, you'll help get fossils out of the soil. Some of these bones have waited 26,000 years to see the light of day!

Prepare and cast fossils. Learn how to make plaster casts of fossils and make sure they're safe for transport.

Uncover small bones. Wash sediment over a screen to reveal the small fossils hidden within it.

As the week progresses, team members will discuss discoveries and share exciting specimens. The staff will teach you how to determine the age and sex of the animals to which the excavated remains belong.

You’ll work every day except Saturday afternoon and Sunday, when you’ll have the opportunity to take a one-day trip to the southern Black Hills. On some evenings you’ll be able to take shorter trips to Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park to view bison, deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, prairie dogs, and possibly bighorn sheep and mountain goats.

ABOUT Larry Agenbroad

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Comfortable beds

Hot showers

Family-style meals

After digging through 26,000-year-old sediments, you’ll welcome showers at a comfortable motel located close to the site. You’ll share a room with two double beds, television, and a full bath, with laundry facilities a short walk away. Modern bathroom facilities and snack food vending machines are available at the dig site as well.

Your team will enjoy hearty meals prepared by a local cook and served family-style, including a meat dish, vegetables, and salads, along with freshly prepared breads and desserts. Team members and staff will rotate kitchen cleanup duties.